RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS


IN THE MATTER OF: 	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2014-00260

			COUNSEL:  NONE

			HEARING DESIRED:  NO 



APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

His DD Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of 
Transfer or Discharge, be corrected to reflect his service in 
Vietnam (Administratively Corrected), and award of the Vietnam 
Campaign Medal (VCM) and Army Commendation Medal (ACM).


APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

His DD Form 214 does not correctly reflect his service in 
Vietnam and the associated Air Force Medals and/or Ribbons.  He 
was assigned to the 1st Calvary Division, 2nd Battalion, 8th 
Calvary in Vietnam.

In support of his request, the applicant submits his DD Form 
214, an ACM Citation with seal, and ACM Certificate signed by 
the Adjutant General.

The applicant’s complete submission, with attachments, is at 
Exhibit A.



STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant initially entered the Regular Air Force on 18 Sep 
62.

On 16 Sep 66, the applicant was furnished an Honorable 
discharge, and was credited with 3 years, 11 months, and 29 days 
of active service.   

The applicant’s DD Form 214 reflects the following Air Force 
Medals and/or Ribbons:  Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, 
Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Air 
Force Good Conduct Medal.

AFPC/DPAPP completed a review of the applicant’s official 
military record and documentation provided, they were able to 
verify and confirm his boots on ground foreign service time in 
the Republic of Vietnam from 20 Aug 65 to 13 Feb 66, for 5 
months and 25 days.  This amount of Foreign Service time is 
already reflected on the applicant’s DD Form 214, therefore a 
correction to the DD Form 214 is not needed.  However, he may 
use the letter from AFPC/DPAPP dated 12 May 14 as proof of 
“boots on ground” in Vietnam.

The remaining relevant facts pertaining to this application are 
contained in the memorandum prepared by the Air Force office of 
primary responsibility (OPR), which is attached at Exhibit C.    



AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFPC/DPSID recommends denial of the VCM. There is no official 
documentation in the applicant’s official record, nor was any 
provided to verify he served for an aggregate of 6 months in the 
area of responsibility for the award of the VCM.    

The VCM is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces 
who, between 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73 who served for 6 months in 
South Vietnam, or served outside the geographical limits of 
South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the 
Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces for an aggregate of 6 months.  
Only members of the United States Armed Forces who met the 
criteria established for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or 
the Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required 
are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the 
Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces; or did not complete the length 
of service required, but who, during wartime, were:  wounded by 
the enemy (in a military action), captured by the enemy during 
action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released, 
killed in action or in the line of duty; or were assigned in 
Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and served in Vietnam for the entire 
period between 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73.

They recommend approval of the ACM as the applicant provided a 
signed Certificate and Citation with official seal which appears 
to be authentic.  

The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed 
Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity 
with the United States Army after 6 Dec 41, distinguished 
themselves by heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious 
service.  The award may also be made to members of the armed 
forces of a friendly foreign nation who, after 1 Jun 62, 
distinguish themselves under similarly circumstances of mutual 
benefit to the friendly nation and the United States.

Based on a review of the applicant’s official military personnel 
record, they were able to determine that the below Air Force 
Medals and/or Ribbons should have been awarded:

	- Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars
	- Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm

Upon final Board decision, administrative correction of the 
applicant’s official military personnel record will be completed 
by AFPC/DPSOR.

A complete copy of the AFPC/DPSID evaluation is at Exhibit C.


APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

A copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to the 
applicant on 15 Sep 14 for review and comment within 30 days 
(Exhibit D).  As of this date, no response has been received by 
this office.


THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by 
existing law or regulations.

2.  The application was not timely filed; however, it is in the 
interest of justice to excuse the failure to timely file.

3.  Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to 
demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice with regard 
to the Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM).  After thoroughly reviewing 
the evidence of record and noting the criteria for the VCM, we 
find the applicant does not meet the criteria for eligibility 
for this medal.  Therefore, we agree with the opinion and 
recommendation of AFPC/DPSID and adopt their rationale as the 
basis for our conclusion that relief already granted 
administratively is not warranted.

4.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to 
demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  After 
reviewing the evidence provided in support of this appeal, i.e., 
copies of the ACM certificate and citation, we find the 
applicant has demonstrated that his DD Form 214 should be 
amended to include the ACM.  Therefore, we recommend the 
applicant’s records be corrected as indicated below..  


THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air 
Force relating to APPLICANT be corrected to reflect that his DD 
Form 214, Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer 
or Discharge issued on 16 September 1966 be amended to include 
the Army Commendation Medal.


The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2014-00260 in Executive Session on 10 Feb 15 under the 
provisions of AFI 36-2603:

	, Panel Chair
	, Member
	, Member

All members voted to correct the record.  The following 
documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 15 Jan 14, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.  Applicant's Master Personnel Records.
	Exhibit C.  Letter, AFPC/DPAPP, dated 12 May 14
	Exhibit D.  Memorandum, AFPC/DPSID, dated 7 Jul 14.
	Exhibit E.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 15 Sep 14.